2012 TBRA CHANGES TO SUPPORT GROWTH IN CYCLING

The 2012 TBRA Board of Directors met on January 22nd to discuss the future of cycling in Tennessee. Based on this discussion, the board is proud to announce several key changes that will continue the growth our sport throughout the state.

TBRA President Kingsley Rutters notes, "Listening to requests from racers along with other opportunities presented, the 2012 TBRA Board of Directors are enthusiastic about the upcoming seasons. We debated and voted on some exciting changes. We believe those changes are in the best interests of cycling and the cyclists of TN. Our desire is to encourage the growth of our sport for all disciplines and we look forward to serving all our members in the seasons to come."

Starting for the 2012 season, a road TBRA points series title and state championship event title will be awarded to category 3 women. We hope this change will encourage women to advance categories and allow more beginner women to enter the sport.

Also starting this year, state championship jerseys will be awarded after the state championship event for all disciplines. Furthermore, the TBRA points series winner jersey and top three finisher plaques will be awarded at the last points event within each discipline. All jersey sizing will be available which will allow the winner to take home their jersey and awards that day. This will also allow the winners to celebrate the accomplishment with more of their fellow racers.

We are also happy to announce the inaugural state championship event for the track discipline. This event will be held at the Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta, GA and will be held in conjunction with the Alabama and Georgia state championship events. TBRA Road Director Tim Hall notes, “TBRA is thrilled to offer the opportunity for riders to compete for track state championship medals. The event will be held at the Dick Lane Velodrome down in Atlanta, and will offer nine separate omnium championship categories. Currently there aren’t a lot of track specific racers in Tennessee, but we believe over time it will lead to more riders becoming track competitors. Our goal is to eventually see Tennessee have its own centrally located velodrome.” Expect a future announcement from the Road Director Tim Hall with more details on timing and available categories. Although a state championship jersey will not be provided by TBRA to the winners, jerseys will be available for purchase at TBRA’s cost.

Finally, starting this season, a TBRA points series title and state championship event title will not be issued for the Clydesdale mountain bike category. Based on past participation, the Clydesdale category has had limited participation. We hope eliminating this category from TBRA points series and state championship events will increase competition and participation in the other mountain bike categories.

For all items discussed during the board meeting, please see the complete meeting minutes. If you have any questions about any of the items discussed during the board meeting, please contact the board at [email'>info@tbra.org[/email'>.

Click here for the meeting minutes and financial exhibits, as well as the full press release.

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